CN113865637A

CN113865637A - Sensor module

Info

Publication number: CN113865637A
Application number: CN202010621632.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: P·拉金德拉; 夏天; 潘磊; S·德西奥利
Original assignee: TE Connectivity Services GmbH; Tyco Electronics Shanghai Co Ltd
Current assignee: TE Connectivity Services GmbH; Tyco Electronics Shanghai Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-30
Filing date: 2020-06-30
Publication date: 2021-12-31
Also published as: KR20220002130A; US20210404857A1

Abstract

Provided is a sensor module including: a first housing including a cavity allowing a liquid to flow therein; a liquid level sensing module mounted on the first housing and configured to sense liquid level related information when liquid flows into the cavity; and a turbidity sensing module mounted on the first housing, the turbidity sensing module including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit oppositely located on an outer surface of the first housing to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through a cavity of the first housing and to be received by the light receiving unit. Compared with the existing sensor, the sensor module provided by the invention is more compact in structure, saves space, improves wiring and installation efficiency, and improves the reliability of products.

Description

Sensor module

Technical Field

The invention relates to a sensor, in particular to a sensor module.

Background

In the prior art, in some intelligent washing apparatuses (for example, washing machines or dishwashers), a liquid level sensor, a turbidity sensor and a temperature sensor are provided, which are independently installed at different positions, wherein the liquid level sensor is fixed near a liquid flow path to detect the liquid level height through the liquid pressure, a measuring part of the turbidity sensor is inserted into the liquid flow path to detect the turbidity condition of the liquid, and the temperature sensor is required to be also fixed in the liquid flow path to detect the liquid temperature, and are respectively connected to a control system through different wirings. The control system automatically sets the cleaning mode of the intelligent cleaning equipment according to the measurement conditions of the three sensors. However, the manner in which each sensor is independently mounted at a different location makes the wiring complex and takes up space.

Disclosure of Invention

Aiming at the problems in the prior art, the invention provides a sensor module, which comprises: a first housing including a cavity allowing a liquid to flow therein; a liquid level sensing module mounted on the first housing and configured to sense liquid level related information when the liquid flows into the cavity; and a turbidity sensing module mounted on the first housing, the turbidity sensing module including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit oppositely located on an outer surface of the first housing to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through a cavity of the first housing and to be receivable by the light receiving unit.

In one embodiment, a portion of the first housing is transparent, and when the turbidity sensing module is mounted on the first housing, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are oppositely located on an outer surface of the transparent portion of the first housing to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through the surface of the transparent portion and be receivable by the light receiving unit.

In one embodiment, the first housing is entirely transparent, and when the turbidity sensing module is mounted on the first housing, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are oppositely located on an outer surface of the first housing to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through a surface of the first housing and be receivable by the light receiving unit.

In one embodiment, the first housing includes an aperture therethrough, and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are relatively sealingly mounted at the aperture when the turbidity sensing module is mounted on the first housing to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through the aperture and be receivable by the light receiving unit.

In one embodiment, the turbidity sensing module further comprises a first protective case in which the light emitting unit is accommodated and a second protective case in which the light receiving unit is accommodated, the first and second protective cases being fixed on an outer surface of the transparent portion of the first case when the turbidity sensing module is mounted on the first case.

In one embodiment, the first protective case and the second protective case are fixed on the outer surface of the transparent portion of the first case by a snap connection, a screw connection, or an ultrasonic welding.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: a housing sized to shield the liquid level sensing module and the turbidity sensing module.

In one embodiment, the turbidity sensing module further comprises a signal conversion unit for converting an intensity signal of the light received by the light receiving unit into the turbidity-related information.

In one embodiment, the turbidity sensing module further includes a slot coupled to the signal conversion unit and a first connector used in cooperation with the slot to transmit the acquired turbidity-related information.

In one embodiment, the liquid level sensing module is connected to a second connector through a first signal line and a first ground line, the second connector is used for sending information sensed in the sensor module to an external controller, and the turbidity sensing module is connected with the first connector and the second connector through a power line, a second signal line and a second ground line, wherein the first ground line and the second ground line are grounded.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: a temperature sensing module mounted on the first housing, the temperature sensing module being at least partially accommodated in the cavity of the first housing for sensing temperature-related information, wherein the temperature sensing module is connected to the signal conversion unit through a third signal line and a third ground line, and a signal output line for transmitting the sensed temperature-related information is added between the second connector and the first connector, and the third ground line is common to the second ground line.

In one embodiment, the signal conversion unit is a PCB assembly.

In one embodiment, the second connector is connected to the first connector at one end by a PCB assembly and at the other end by an SGI connector socket.

In one embodiment, the turbidity-related information is an analog voltage signal or a digital signal characterizing the turbidity of the liquid.

In one embodiment, the liquid level related information is an analog quantity frequency signal or a digital signal characterizing the height of the liquid level.

In one embodiment, the temperature-related information is an analog resistance value or a digital signal characterizing the temperature of the liquid.

Compared with the existing sensor, the sensor module provided by the invention is more compact in structure, saves space, improves wiring and installation efficiency, and improves the reliability of products.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a front exploded schematic view of a sensor module according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view from the back of the sensor module of FIG. 1;

fig. 3 is a sectional view of the sensor module of fig. 1 after assembly.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the invention. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, the terms "include," "include," and similar terms are to be construed as open-ended terms, i.e., "including/including but not limited to," meaning that additional content can be included as well. The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment," and so on.

Front, rear, left, right, up, down, front, rear, left, right, upper, lower, and the like in the present invention are relative concepts used with reference to fig. 1.

The invention provides a sensor module, comprising: a first housing including a cavity allowing a liquid to flow therein; a liquid level sensing module mounted on the first housing and configured to sense liquid level related information when the liquid flows into the cavity; and a turbidity sensing module mounted on the first housing for sensing turbidity-related information, the turbidity sensing module including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, the light emitting unit being located on an outer surface of the first housing opposite to the light receiving unit to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through a cavity of the first housing and be receivable by the light receiving unit.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, a sensor module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used to detect a liquid level, turbidity and temperature of liquid in home appliances such as a washing machine, a dishwasher and the like.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the sensor module 100 includes a housing 102, a turbidity sensing module 104, a liquid level sensing module 106, a temperature sensing module 108, and an outer cover 110, where the housing 102 includes a cavity 101 allowing liquid to flow therein, the housing 102 further includes a receiving portion 102a located on an upper surface of the housing 102 and a mounting portion 102b disposed on an outer surface of the housing 102, the mounting portion 102b is used for fixing the turbidity sensing module 104, and at least a portion of the housing 102 is transparent, and the outer cover 110 is sized to shield at least portions of the turbidity sensing module 104, the liquid level sensing module 106, the temperature sensing module 108, and the housing 102, and plays roles of waterproof, dustproof, and the like.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the turbidity sensing module 104 is for sensing turbidity-related information, the turbidity sensing module 104 includes a light emitting unit 104a and a light receiving unit 104b, and in the case where the housing 102 is partially transparent, when the turbidity sensing module 104 is mounted on the housing 102 through the mounting portion 102b, the light emitting unit 104a is located on an outer surface of the transparent portion of the housing 102 opposite to the light receiving unit 104b to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit 104a to pass through the surface of the transparent portion and to be receivable by the light receiving unit 104 b; in the case where the housing 102 is partially transparent, when the turbidity sensing module 104 is mounted on the housing 102 through the mounting portion 102b, the light emitting unit 104a is located on a transparent outer surface of the housing 102 opposite to the light receiving unit 104b to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit 104a to pass through the surface of the housing 102 and be received by the light receiving unit 104 b. It should be understood that in another embodiment, the housing 102 may be opaque and the housing 102 includes an aperture through the housing 102 where the light emitting unit 104a is mounted in a sealed relation to the light receiving unit 104b when the turbidity sensing module 104 is mounted on the housing 102 by the mounting portion 102b to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit 104a to pass through the aperture and be receivable by the light receiving unit 104 b.

As also shown in fig. 1, the turbidity sensing module 104 further includes a protective case 104c and a protective case 104d for accommodating the light emitting unit 104a and the light receiving unit 104b, respectively, and when the turbidity sensing module 104 is mounted on the housing 102 through the mounting portion 102b, the

protective cases

104c and 104d are fixed on the outer surface of the transparent portion of the housing 102. Here, the mounting portions 102b may be mounting rails symmetrically disposed at both sides of the case 102 such that the

protective cases

104c and 104d may be fixed to the case 102 by, for example, a snap connection or a screw connection. In another embodiment, the case 102 may not include a mounting portion, and the

protective cases

104c and 104d are directly fixed to the outer surface of the case 102 by ultrasonic welding or the like.

In addition, the turbidity sensing module 104 further includes a signal conversion unit such as a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) assembly 104e shown in fig. 1 to 3, and as shown in fig. 1 to 3, the signal conversion unit 104e is coupled to the light emitting unit 104a and the light receiving unit 104b to convert the intensity signal of the light received by the light receiving unit 104b into an analog quantity voltage signal representing turbidity. In addition, the turbidity sensing module 104 further includes a socket 104f and a connector 104g cooperating with the socket 104f, and the analog voltage signal representing the turbidity obtained by the conversion unit 104e is transmitted through the connector 104 g.

Further, it is understood that, in another embodiment, the turbidity sensing module 104 may not include the

protective cases

104c and 104d, the mounting portions are members with slots provided at both sides of the housing 102, and the light emitting unit 104a and the light receiving unit 104b may be directly inserted into the slots to be fixed to the mounting portions. It is also understood that in another embodiment, the

protective cases

104c, 104d are respectively provided with a first hole through which light emitted from the light emitting unit 104a can pass through the case 102 and be received by the light receiving unit 104b through a second hole paired with the first hole when a liquid (e.g., water) flows into the cavity of the case 102.

It should also be understood that, in another embodiment, the signal conversion unit 104e may be a component capable of converting the intensity signal of the light received by the light receiving unit 104b into a digital signal representing turbidity. It should also be understood that in another embodiment, the signal conversion unit may be integrated in the light receiving unit, so that the light receiving unit receives the intensity signal of the light and converts the intensity signal of the light into the turbidity-related information through the signal conversion unit integrated therein.

With continued reference to fig. 1-3, in the illustrated embodiment, a liquid level sensing module 104 is used to sense liquid level related information, the liquid level sensing module 104 including, for example, a calibrator 106a, a spring 106b, a winding 106c, a magnet core 106d, a diaphragm 106e, and a spring 106f, whereby the liquid pressure is converted to an analog magnitude frequency signal representative of the height of the liquid level by the formed LC tank circuit.

As shown in fig. 3, at least a portion of the liquid level sensing module 106 is received in the receiving portion 102a of the housing 102. In this embodiment, the liquid level sensing module provides the detected liquid level height by using an analog output, and it should be understood that in another embodiment, the liquid level sensing module may provide the detected liquid level height by using a MEMS digital output, and the structure of the housing need to be adjusted accordingly.

With continued reference to fig. 1-3, in the illustrated embodiment, the sensor module 100 further includes a temperature sensing module 108, and the housing 102 further includes a receptacle 102c, the temperature sensing module 108 being at least partially received in the receptacle 102c and in contact with the liquid entering the cavity of the housing 102 to detect temperature related information of the liquid. In this embodiment, the temperature sensing module is an analog sensing module and outputs an analog resistance value.

FIG. 3 illustrates the turbidity sensing module 104, the liquid level sensing module 106, and the temperature sensing module 108 after assembly. As shown in fig. 3, the ground wire 108a and the signal wire 108b of the temperature sensing module are respectively soldered to the PCB assembly 104e, the connector 104g of the turbidity sensing module 104 is connected with four wires (i.e. the ground wire 104h, the power wire 104i (e.g. 5v power wire), the signal wire 104j outputting the turbidity signal, and the signal wire 104k outputting the temperature signal) to form a four-bit output, wherein the ground wire 104h is in common with the ground wire 108a, the other ends of the four wires are respectively soldered to the PCB assembly 201a of the connector 201 mounted on the housing 110, the ground wire 106g and the signal wire 106h of the liquid level sensing module are also soldered to the PCB assembly 201a of the connector 201, wherein the ground wire 106g is in common with the ground wire 104h, so that the connector 201 forms a 5-bit output, the other side of the connector 201 opposite to the PCB assembly 201a is soldered with an sgi (signal grade) connector socket 201b provided by taeko electronics for outputting the signal sensed by the sensor module 100 (e.g, output to an external controller, etc.). It should be understood that the number of output bits of the connector 104g and the connector 201 may be adjusted as desired.

It should be appreciated that in another embodiment, the temperature sensing module may be a digital quantity sensing module, outputting a digital signal. It should also be understood that although in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, housing 102 includes receptacle 102c, in another embodiment, housing 102 may not include receptacle 102c, and sensor module 100 may include only turbidity sensing module 104 and liquid level sensing module 106, but not temperature sensing module 108.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments are only specific examples of the present invention, and obviously, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and many similar variations exist. All modifications which would occur to one skilled in the art and which are, therefore, directly derived or suggested from the disclosure herein are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sensor module, comprising:

a first housing including a cavity allowing a liquid to flow therein;

a liquid level sensing module mounted on the first housing and configured to sense liquid level related information when the liquid flows into the cavity; and

a turbidity sensing module mounted on the first housing, the turbidity sensing module including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit oppositely located on an outer surface of the first housing to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through a cavity of the first housing and to be receivable by the light receiving unit.

2. The sensor module of claim 1, wherein a portion of the first housing is transparent, and when the turbidity sensing module is mounted on the first housing, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are oppositely located on an outer surface of the transparent portion of the first housing to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through the surface of the transparent portion and be receivable by the light receiving unit.

3. The sensor module of claim 1, wherein the first housing is entirely transparent, and when the turbidity sensing module is mounted on the first housing, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are oppositely located on an outer surface of the first housing to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through a surface of the first housing and be receivable by the light receiving unit.

4. The sensor module of claim 1, wherein the first housing includes an aperture therethrough, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit being relatively sealingly mounted at the aperture when the turbidity sensing module is mounted on the first housing to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through the aperture and be receivable by the light receiving unit.

5. The sensor module of claim 1, wherein the turbidity sensing module further comprises a first protective case and a second protective case, the light emitting unit being housed in the first protective case and the light receiving unit being housed in the second protective case, the first protective case and the second protective case being fixed on an outer surface of the first case when the turbidity sensing module is mounted on the first case.

6. The sensor module of claim 5, wherein the first protective shell and the second protective shell are fixed on the outer surface of the first housing by a snap connection, a threaded connection, or an ultrasonic welding.

7. The sensor module of claim 1 or 5, further comprising:

a housing for housing the liquid level sensing module and the turbidity sensing module.

8. The sensor module of claim 1, wherein the turbidity sensing module further comprises a signal conversion unit for converting the intensity signal of the light received by the light receiving unit into turbidity-related information.

9. The sensor module of claim 8, wherein the turbidity sensing module further comprises a slot coupled to the signal conversion unit and a first connector cooperating with the slot for transmitting the acquired turbidity-related information.

10. The sensor module of claim 9, wherein the level sensing module is connected to a second connector via a first signal line and a first ground line, the second connector for transmitting information sensed in the sensor module to an external controller, the turbidity sensing module enabling connection of the first connector to the second connector via a power line, a second signal line and a second ground line, wherein the first ground line and the second ground line are common.

11. The sensor module of claim 10, further comprising:

a temperature sensing module mounted on the first housing, the temperature sensing module being at least partially accommodated in the cavity of the first housing for sensing temperature-related information, wherein the temperature sensing module is connected to the signal conversion unit through a third signal line and a third ground line, and a signal output line for transmitting the sensed temperature-related information is added between the second connector and the first connector, and the third ground line is common to the second ground line.

12. The sensor module of claim 9, wherein the signal conversion unit is a PCB assembly.

13. The sensor module of claim 10, wherein the second connector is connected to the first connector at one end by a PCB assembly and at the other end by an SGI connector socket.

14. The sensor module of claim 8, wherein the turbidity-related information is an analog voltage signal or a digital signal characterizing the turbidity of the liquid.

15. The sensor module of claim 1, wherein the liquid level-related information is an analog frequency signal or a digital signal indicative of a liquid level height.

16. The sensor module of claim 11, wherein the temperature-related information is an analog resistance value or a digital signal indicative of the temperature of the liquid.